The Fear Between Us

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Tell me the truth.

"Somehow the General got wind of our "interrogation" and has requested to join us." Captain Rosewood says with a hint of disgust and annoyance while entering the tent, "Well, is it not?"

"Is it not what?"

"An interrogation." I say as she turns to me quickly about to respond as the General walks into the tent making us forget what had happened, "At ease, soldiers. Now what is it about?" He continues while taking a seat next to mine, "It's not an interrogation, General. It's just a few questions I'd like for my sergeant to answer. Your presence is unnecessary."

"Proceed as though I'm not even here, I'd just like to know what's happening."

"Fine. But you can't contribute." She responds sharply as the general nods in response, "Now where were we," she stops for a moment staring at the file then glances at me, "Ah yes, were you born here in America?"

"Why do you need to know that?" The general interrupts, "General." Rosewood interjects making him back down as she exerts her attention back to me waiting for an answer, "No, I wasn't." I eventually say which makes her nod, "How did you get here?"

"On a plane—" I say as the general interrupts, "You mean a ship." He assures as I shift uncomfortably, "Right... a ship." I say slowly unsure about that answer. That's an answer I was told to say but my brain always says a plane, "So, which is it?"

"A pl—a ship." Rosewood eyes me as she hands me the file, "Do you know what this says?" She asks as I look back down at the clipping predatel, "No." I lie as I hand it back to her, "Thank you, that's all." She says still staring at me almost as if she knows something I don't... The general abruptly gets up and walks out of the room after his quick interjection that I didn't hear.

I walk back to my room closing the door quietly as I lean against the surface. My mind is racing with even more confusion than what I have had for the past four years. I look across the room to the photo in the mirror's frame, how did she have this? And how does she know? Is she the Josephine I keep thinking about? Sitting on my bed tensed I pinch the bridge of my nose, why is nothing making sense? Eventually, a knock at my door sounds making me mumble, "Go away." With a voice from the other side merely saying, "I know you're lying." I open my eyes as I stare at the door before I open it to see the captain standing on the other side with the file but with more context inside, "May I come in?" She asks before I can say anything and steps in without allowing me to give a response, "What do you want?" I ask her while closing the door as she browses the room stopping at the desk and picking up the photo as she turns towards me, "That's you, isn't it?" Rosewood asks but this time she knows the answer without me saying anything, "What do you want?" I repeat the question grabbing the photo away from her, "I simply want answers, just like you." She insists making me scoff, "I don't have your answers, I can't remember everything."

"But you remember something don't you?"

The question made me stop, I did, but it still wasn't enough for whatever this was. She stared at me almost as if she could feel my uncertainty, placing the file down she walked towards me putting out her hand with a good posture, "Fine, I'll make you a deal sergeant. You tell me what you know and I'll you what I know. But this stays between us." I stare at her; my mind is racing but I know exactly what question I want to know. She leans back reaching further out, "Well?" She inquires, hesitating I eventually grab for her hand, "Fine, then tell me the truth. I need to know, are you my Josephine, Josephine?"